AMSAT-UK will partner with Surrey NanoSystems and a number of universities including University of Surrey to test a special black paint on an upcoming CubeSat deployment. When applied to a surface, the super black paint, Vantablack, is designed to absorb 98% of light. The goal of the partnership is to demonstrate potential solutions to reducing light pollution as it relates to astronomy.
This high level of light absorption makes the coated surfaces appear extremely dark, helping to minimise the unwanted brightness from satellites that can disrupt the work of stargazers.
The Jovian-1 CubeSat mission containing this experiment is scheduled to launch in 2026. More information will be available at the AMSAT-UK Colloquium taking place in October.
Source: AMSAT